The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1887-10-05
THE LAST MAN.

luc llBnt was Wcll spent ana darkness
was near, when the Confederatc's attack
ceased on that part of the Federal line
at Chickamauga which was held by the
troops under Thomas, on the second
day. Between the left of these forces
and that remainder of the army which
had not left the field, lay long stretch
of forest, etfectually cutting off the view
between the two points. Just at dusk
there was borne across the forest q sound
of rapid muskctry, but this was soon
over, and then followed prolonged cheer
ing. IL was clear to those with Thomas
that the cheers came from Confederates,
and signified capture of more or less
importance. The incident served, in
connection with what followed, to cast
deeper gloom over the exhausted sol
dicrs.
That which followed was an order to
withdraw from the field in retreat to
Chattanooga. The left of Thomass line
rested upon ridge, the end OF which
was covered with standing corn. At
the foot of the ridge, to.the left, was a
fence, and beyond this the forest already
mentioned. A line of Federal skirmish-
ers was posted along the fence, and the
orders were for this line to remain until
the troops were well off the ridge in
their retreat, and then to quietly with
draw and make the best of their way to
rcjoin the column. The skirmish line
was composed of single regiment, and
captain was in command, all the field
officers having fallen In the two days
lighting. The captain, a straight and
soldierly fellow, with bright brown hair
and beard closely cut, was waiting with
what patience he could command until
his time came to retreat. 1t was an I'm
certain service at best, this staying be-
hind in skirmish line while the army
marched away. So thought the captain,
evidently, as he moved uneasily a few
PAGES back and forth behind his men.
There was something else to trouble him
he WINGED whenever he put his left foot
, to the ground.
The captain had been waiting nearly
half an hour when there came an ominous
sound from the forest in front 1t was
too dark to see, but there could be nc
mistaking that sound. 1t was the tramp
of men coming cautiously on, as a force
would do in the dark, expecting to meet
an enemy at every step. The captain
thought it too early to retire, and so there
was nothing for it but to await the on
| coming force and trust to fortune. On il
came, and presently the dusky forms OF
line of skirmishers were seen scarcely
thirty PAGES in front of the Federal line
At the same instant the captains men,
standing silently in their places, were
discovered by the others. Neither knew
certainly to which army the other be
longed. The line which came from tho
wood halted without command, hesi
tating. Then an officer stepped for
ward and demanded:
'What troops are thosei"
Not at loss for moment, the Fed.
eral captain responded;
'All right We're going up the hill
Be ready to support us. Now, then,
men--quietly Pass the word along =
Whatever the doubts of the other the
| Captain was sure that the force con
fronting him was Confederate. lie wa,
at last relieved Of uncertainty mus
move now. His men understood; tho
command went from man to man in low
tones, and the whole line of skirmisher;
| quietly turned and marched up through
| the corn to the top of the ridge. As they
came to the open ground at the summit
all was still about and in front of them
Their comrades were out of hearing il
their retreat. The Captain mounted Iii
horse-which an orderly had been hold
ing while the Captain was ON foot with
his skirmishers-apd put his little regi
ment in motion to follow the army. II,
himself remained until the last of hi
men had filed by, and then followed. A
he did this, he turned his face as if for
last look at the bloody field. There wa
nothing there now but darkness and 81
lence. Perfect silence, itseemed, thinking
| what had been there now less than two
hours before. 1t was perfect silen G.
save that goo yards down to the front
where the enemy's dead aud wounde,
lay thickest, sharp cry came up out o
the night now and then, as the hospita
corps lifted a sufferer too roughly o
turned some poor fellow over upon
mangled limb. Save, alas, that rust
ling noise in the corn through which h
had Just come told the captain that tn
enemy's shirmishers left at the fence be
low were already moving on his track.
'The last man at Chickamauga p NUT
tered the captain as he rode on after hi
regiment.
They passed quickly down the rear
ward slope into the deeper shadow of tn
valley, aud presently turning their head
TO look behind saw family outlined
4 = l.. IL. 4 = 81 o. -